Two second-half Liz Basha goals gave Lee Academy a 2-0 victory to open the soccer season at home against Columbus Christian Monday afternoon.
Basha, a senior attacking midfielder, scored the first goal on a penalty kick and the second on a breakaway town the end of the game.
The Fillies, now 1-0 in Division 3 North, and Lady Rams each had around five shots on goal.
“Really impressed with them being a lot of new players,” said Lee coach Joseph Natalizio. “A lot of new players impressed me the same with their understanding and skill. We grew into the game definitely. Our second half was much more impressive than the first half. I’m excited about the rest of the season with how we can grow and how we improved at the end of the game yesterday.”
Goalie Merri Evelyn Evans had around five saves.
“She didn’t have too many tough saves,” Natalizio said. “Our defense played really well. They kept the ball from getting to her. It was really well done.”
While Evans did not have many saves, Natalizio said she did a good job when given the opportunity.
Lee Academy was scheduled to host Bayou Academy Wednesday and travel to Kirk Academy Aug. 10.
The matchup against Bayou Academy is not a division game, but it will be a measuring stick for the Fillies.
“We’ve got a tough test against Bayou on Wednesday,” Natalizio said. “They have a really good team. But we have a really good team and we have an opportunity to make some noise this year.”
Natalizio said Lee must play well for all 80 minutes and clean up small mistakes.
“We have to play sound defense,” Natalizio said. “They’ve put up some big numbers in the past.
“We can’t have any lapses in concentration.”
Natalizio said Bayou Academy plays soccer year round, which is something Lee does not do at this time.
